About Baltimore Teacher Network

Mission:

Baltimore Teacher Network (BTN) is on a mission to cultivate, sustain, and empower a dynamic community of professional educators in Baltimore City. Our goal is to foster mutual support among teachers, influence local educational policy through public discourse and publications, and collaboratively create environments that foster teacher leadership and ongoing innovation. Central to BTN's initiatives is the recruitment, retention, and support of teachers, recognizing their crucial role in advancing educational excellence and equity in our city.

History:

BTN's roots trace back to 1998 when a group of educators affiliated with the Resident Teacher Program identified the need for a support network based on practical classroom experience. Since then, BTN has made significant strides in becoming a pillar of teacher development in Baltimore. From its humble beginnings, BTN has evolved to provide enriching workshops on a range of topics, including trauma-informed instruction and differentiated instructional practices, benefiting hundreds of educators.

BTN's commitment extends to the recruitment, retention, and empowerment of Baltimore's school teachers. Each year, BTN collaborates with city principals to select a teacher ambassador who engages in inquiry groups and contributes to BTN's newsletter, The Voice. These ambassadors also facilitate nominating outstanding teachers for our prestigious Beacon of Light Awards, which has recognized excellence in instruction within Baltimore City's schools since 2014.

Meet the Team

  • Mr. Elijah Etheridge

    Executive Director

    Mr. Etheridge’s leadership skills blazed a trail as he ascended to the presidency of BUILD (Baltimore United in Leadership Development), expanding its reach to over 200 schools. Upon returning to Baltimore, he assumed executive roles at the Baltimore Education Network and Baltimore Neighborhoods Incorporated, where his unwavering commitment to social justice and community empowerment continued to drive change.

    Since 2014, Etheridge has wielded his leadership prowess as the Executive Director of the Baltimore Teacher Network, overseeing ConneXions - A Community Based Art School. His visionary leadership has propelled BTN's impact to new heights, spearheading initiatives like the Beacon of Light Awards and educational gubernatorial town halls.

    Mr. Etheridge is a graduate of the City College of New York with a bachelor's degree in psychology, and he holds a master's degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, underscoring his dedication to lifelong learning and service.

  • Ms. Tricia Finkenberg

    Director of Strategy and Innovation

    Ms. Finkenberg is celebrated for her visionary leadership, imprinting a lasting legacy across school districts. With an Ed.M. in educational administration from Harvard and a master's degree in curriculum design from Columbia, she embarked on her career by collaborating with Dr. Comer's School Development Program, helping usher in notable advancements in academics, teacher retention, and community engagement in NYC schools.

    In her recent capacity as Assistant Superintendent for the Diocese of St. Augustine, Ms. Finkenberg orchestrated holistic strategies spanning 38 schools, resulting in enrollment surges and the cultivation of leadership acumen. Prior to this, as Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, her pioneering e-learning and mentoring endeavors catalyzed the widespread adoption of best-teaching methodologies.

    She now leads the strategy and innovation at the Baltimore Teacher Network, where she developed the Teacher’s Place to recruit, retain, and support teachers across Baltimore.

  • Dr. Ron Howell

    Deputy Executive Director

    Dr. Howell's journey in the field of education and nonprofit management has been marked by a steadfast commitment to community service and leadership. His career began at Coppin State University, where he discovered his passion for fundraising and grant writing. Progressing swiftly, he assumed the role of Director of Development for the School of Professional Studies, where his adeptness at securing grants became evident. Later, as the Executive Director of Collington Square Non-Profit Corporation, he successfully revitalized a homeless shelter and secured vital funds from the State of Maryland.

    Since 2014, Dr. Howell has been an invaluable asset to the Baltimore Teacher Network, steadily advancing to Deputy Executive Director. In his current capacity, he manages a substantial budget, oversees Human Resources, provides guidance to school principals, and spearheads various projects. Howell's educational background is equally impressive, with degrees ranging from Applied Psychology to a Doctorate in Theology, reflecting his diverse expertise and commitment to lifelong learning.

  • Ms. Rebecca Pausley

    Educational Specialist

    Ms. Pausley boasts over 28 years of classroom experience, including work at Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She has leveraged her extensive skills in graphic and instructional design to create and manage e-learning courses, showcasing her commitment to innovative teaching practices. Ms. Pausley's career has spanned various educational settings, including inner-city schools, charter schools, and rural settings. She has spent her time focusing on closing the achievement gap, and improving literacy. Her qualifications include a BA from Beloit College, a MS in Human Development from Erikson Institute, and post-graduate certifications in Library Information Sciences and Instructional Design. Certified to teach in multiple states, Ms. Pausley is a dedicated educator with a passion for transformative learning.

    Ms. Pausley woks with the Baltimore Teacher Network to produce innovative and informational e-learning modules to support teachers across Baltimore..